BRYAN Robson will ring the changes for this Thursday's Carling Cup clash at Leyton Orient, as Stuart Nicholson and Rob Elvins stepped-up their claims for first-team inclusion.

The strike duo scored a goal each for the reserves in last night's 3-1 victory against Huddersfield and are strong candidates to play in the televised clash at Brisbane Road.

Nicholson already has brief first-team experience from last season but is still playing catchup having missed all of pre-season with an ankle injury. Fellow rookie forward Michael Nardiello set-up Elvins late on in the game to stake his own first-team claims.

Robson is likely to rest John Hartson for the trip to east London, with Nathan Ellington still suffering the effects of a hamstring strain. That leaves Nicholson, Elvins and Nardiello in the frame for the cup-tie.

Robson refused to elaborate any more but said: "I will make changes - not just because it's the cup. I feel some of the squad players have earned the chance to prove themselves as well. There won't be loads of changes but there will be a few."

The manager may also make changes elsewhere, with recent signings Paul McShane and Luke Steele expected to be handed their debuts.

Darren Carter, Richard Chaplow and Inamoto will be hoping for first-team starts while Jared Hodgkiss may be in line for a possible outing at right-back.